Finally, Memphis Football has a time for its season opening and will arrive on time on September 5.
The AAFC announced Wednesday that the Tigers will receive the state of Arkansas at 7 p.m. ESPN. It is one of seven games scheduled for next Saturday and possibly the game.
Memphis has just finished a 12-win season and a move to cotton bowl last year after winning the AAC championship. The Tigers begin season 26 overall in the AP’s top 25 preseason voting and 30th in the Amway Preseason Coaches Survey, any of which have ranked nine groups that don’t play this season.
Arkansas State won eight games last season, a Victory in the Camellia Bowl.
Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield said this month that he hoped the game would be a national showcase. Prior to the announcement, he re-campaigned for the game to be taken to peak times.
“If enthusiasts are limited in the stands, we can get around the country and that excites us a little more,” Silverfield said.
Tigers are no strangers to prime-time games. They beat SMU last season in the national game of the week on ABC and won last year’s four games featured on ABC, a 15-10 win over Miss Ole.
The Memphis Department of Sports has not yet announced ticket prices for Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, but price tickets are limited to seasonal ticket holders, parent families, and students.
Fans will have to sit at least 12 feet away, wear a mask at all times in the stadium box and taconear is not allowed. But even with a smaller crowd, the Tigers are in a position to show some other possibility on a larger platform.
“We are proud of the fact that we are one of the few organizations that still play,” said supporter Tim Hart. “Just having that highlight and an ability to run in front of a wonderful organise of boys is an opportunity.”
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